2023-05-13 09:54:16
Carlos Alcaraz Antonietta Baldassarre / Insidephoto / PANORAMIC
The two players could meet for the first time this year, if they both reach the final.
They were separated by injuries and the absence of 22-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic from the USA hardcourt tour earlier in the season due to a lack of a Covid-19 vaccine. 19. Alcaraz will overtake Djokovic at the top of the world rankings after the Rome tournament, and the 20-year-old Spaniard is eager to go up against one of the greatest players in the world. “It’s great to be in the same tournament as Novak, to have him here and to learn from himsaid Alcaraz, who starts his Roma campaign on Saturday against Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
«It’s always good to have the best tennis players in the world in the tournament. I hope to meet him in the final. I always say that as a tennis fan, I want to see the best players in the world, watch them, learn from them, because you have to learn from everyone.»
Alcaraz, who beat Djokovic in straight sets in Madrid’s semi-final last year in their first encounter, said his biggest rival was himself.
«It’s not just for me, it’s for everyoneadded Alcaraz. “You have to control yourself first, control your emotions, then play against the opponent. You have to choose the right tactics and the right shots at all times. It’s really difficult because we only have a few seconds before we hit the ball. It’s not just for me, it’s for everyone.»
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